The pigeon guillemot is a species of bird in the auk family, Alcidae. One of three species in the genus Cepphus, it is most closely related to the spectacled guillemot. There are five subspecies of the pigeon guillemot; all subspecies, when in breeding plumage, are dark brown with a black iridescent sheen and a distinctive wing patch broken by a brown-black wedge. Its non-breeding plumage has mottled grey and black upperparts and white underparts. The long bill is black, as are the claws. The legs, feet, and inside of the mouth are red. It closely resembles the black guillemot, which is slightly smaller and lacks the dark wing wedge present in the pigeon guillemot.
Region
North Pacific Rim
Typical Environment
Breeds and forages along rocky shorelines, sea cliffs, and offshore islets from California and the Aleutians through Alaska to the Russian Far East, the Kurils, and Hokkaido. It favors nearshore marine habitats with kelp forests, reefs, and shallow benthic zones where prey is accessible. Colonies are typically on predator-sheltered coasts with suitable crevices or burrows. In winter some birds disperse along coasts but generally stay close to breeding latitudes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A close relative of the black guillemot, the pigeon guillemot nests in crevices on rocky coasts and islands around the North Pacific. In breeding plumage it shows a bold white wing patch bisected by a dark wedge and flashes vivid red feet and mouth linings during displays. It is an agile pursuit-diver that uses its wings to ‘fly’ underwater after fish and crustaceans. Parents typically raise 1–2 chicks and often carry prey crosswise in the bill back to nest sites.
A pigeon guillemot in winter plumage at Moss Landing, California
Pigeon guillemot flying off coast of Oregon
At cliffside nest
Two pigeon guillemot chicks, one just hatched, in a nesting crevice with eggshell remains.
An almost fledged pigeon guillemot nestling
Adult calling
A pigeon guillemot diving at Living Coasts, Torquay, England
Feeding on Buldir Island, Alaska
Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungal disease that affects this bird when in captivity
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies, nesting in rock crevices, burrows, or cavities on coastal cliffs and islets. Pairs are generally monogamous; both sexes incubate and feed the young. Typical clutch size is 1–2 eggs, and adults commute frequently between foraging areas and the nest. Outside breeding, birds often gather in small flocks near productive nearshore waters.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include high, whistled and piping notes, trills, and squeaks, often given at colonies and during courtship. Calls can be surprisingly loud for their size and are accompanied by foot-flagging that exposes the bright red feet.
